Parlor compartment-car.



No. 655,892. Patented Aug. I4, I900. J. B. STRAUSS.

PARLOR COMPARTMENT GAB.

(Application filed Apr. 16, 1900.) (No Model.) 2 Sheets-Sheet I.

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No. 655,892. Patented 9.14, 1900.

YJ. B. STRAUSS.

PAnLoR GOMPARTMENT GAR.

(Application filed Apr. 16, 1900.)

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(No Model.)

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Stamps i rnrrr JOSEPH B. STRAUSS, OF CHICAGO, ILLINOIS, ASSIGNOR OF ONE-HALF TO EDWIN B. TUTEUR, OF SAME PLACE.

PARLOR COMPARTMENT-CAR.

SPECIFICATION forming'part of Letters Patent No. 5,892, dated August 14, 1900.

7 Application filed April 16, 1900. Serial No. 13,025 (No model.)

To all whom it may concern.-

Be it known that I, JOSEPH B. STRAUSS, a citizen of the United States, residing at Chicago, in the county of Cook and State of Illinois, have invented a certain new and useful Improvement in Parlor Compartment-Cars,of which the following is a specification.

My invention relates to railway passengercars, and has for its object to provide a new and improved car of this description.

My invention is illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein-- Figure 1 is a cross-section through a car embodying myinvention. Fig. 2 is a section on line 2 2, Fig. 1, showing onlyapart of the car. Figs. 3 and 4 show modified constructions of the seat attachments. Fig. 5 is an enlarged view of one of the seat-backs. Fig. 6 is an end view of the cross-piece of the transverse partitions. Fig. 7 is a view showing the locking attachment on the lower part of the two-part back.

Like letters refer to like parts throughout the several figures.

One of the objects of my invention is to provide a passenger-car which can be used as an ordinary passenger-car,a parlor car, a compartment-car, and a sleeping-car.

In carrying out my invention I provide seats which may be arranged like the seats in an ordinary passenger-car,and there are also pro vided adjustable partitions which may be normally out of the way, but which can be moved into position so as to inclose each seat and form a private compartment. These seats are also arranged, as in the ordinary car, so that the backs of any two seats can be moved to form two seats facing each other. These two seats can then be iuclosed by the adjustable partitions, so as to form a private compartment.

Referring now to the drawings, wherein I have shown a construction embodying myinvention, I provide a partition-support A at the roof of the car and substantially opposite the back of each seat. These partitionsupports may be constructed in any desired manner. One or more flexible adjustable partitions A are associated with each partitionsupport and are adapted to be moved up and down. These partitions may be of any desired construction, and as herein shown consist of a flexible piece mounted upon a springroller, the spring-roller being preferably carried by and concealed in the partition-sup port. The partitions A separate the seats from each other. There are also provided suitable adjustable partitions B for inclosing the normally-open front of the seat-space, the two sets of partitions A and B whenin place completely inclosing the seatspace, soas to form a private compartment. The front partitions B may be made in any desired manner, and as herein shown consist of flexible pieces of material attached to the support B. These front partitions may be held in their open position by means of suitable holding devices B connected with the backs of the seats. Between each seat I provide a divided adjustable piece adapted to be moved down out of the way during the ordinary use of the seat, but which can be moved up so as to bridge the space between the two seats, so as to form a substantialIy-continuous surface.

Referring now to Figs. 1 and 2, I have shown the divided intermediate piece as made up into sections C C and D D. These figures show this divided piece as formed of four sections, each section extending substantially halfway or at least part way the length of the seat and part way across the space between the two seats. hinged or otherwise movably attached to the seats or seat-frames. As shown in Figs. 1 and 2, these sections are pivotally connected with the seat-frame at E by anysuitahle pivotal connection and are adapted to swing up, so as to meet and form a substantialiy-contin uous intermediate piece between the seats. Any suitable means may be provided for holding these sections in their operative and inoperative positions. As shown, for example, in Fig. 2, the edges of the sections are cut away, so as to form the groove F, and a suitable hinged support F, normally resting flat upon the floor, is adapted to be lifted up into position so as to enter the groove Fand hold the parts in position. It is of course evident that each section D and C will have one of these supports, as shown on the left hand in Fig. 1. In order to hold the devices in their inoperative position, I may provide a series These sections areof latches G,movably connected with the seat frame and provided with the projection G, Fig. 1, which enters a suitable opening in the frame of the sections, so as to hold them back under the seats, as shown in Figs. 1 and 2. These sections are preferably upholstered to correspond with the car-seats.

Instead of having the hinged supports F, I may provide other means for holding the sections in their operative position. I have shown one form in Fig. 3, wherein each section is provided with one or more pinions H, rigidly attached thereto in any desired manner. The seat is hollowed out or otherwise formed so as to receive the dog II. This dog is pressed forward by the spring H and engages the teeth of the pinion H. The teeth are so formed as to permit the section to be moved upward toward its operative position by applying force thereto, but prevent its backward movement, so that when once in position it will be firmly held there. The parts are so adjusted that in moving the section upward it is only necessary to overcome the pressure of the spring H In order to move the section downward to its inoperative position, I provide the dog H with an arm H which projects-through an opening, so that it is accessible. It will thus be seen that if this arm is moved the dog may be disengaged from the pinion II. When this construction is used, the sections of the divided adjustable piece will be hinged to the seat, as shown in Figs. 1 and 2, min any other desired manner. Instead of having this divided piece formed into four sections I may have it formed in two sections, each of which is large enough to bridge the space between the seats. I have shown such a construction in Fig. 4, wherein the sections 0 and D are held in a suitable receiving-place under the seat and may be taken outand placed in position, being supported upon the projections I. I have shown thepiece as divided both longitudinally and laterally in Figs. 1 and 2. The longitudinal division, for example, may be dispensed with, as is the case in Fig. 4; but the lateral division, dividing the piece into two lengths, is a feature of my invention, as it permits one of the lengths-for example, the one nearest the wall-to be placed in position and yet leaves space for the passenger to stand erect while disrobing.

When the seats of the car are arranged so as to form single seats instead of double seats, the divided adjustable piece when placed in its operative position fills up the space between the seats and permits the passenger to restinarecliningposition. WVhenthedouble seats are used, the passenger will be able to lie at full length upon the two seats and the intermediate piece. In this event, in order to get the proper length with the separation of seats used, I make the back of the seats of two relatively-movable pieces J J. Both of these pieces are attached to the movable frame J which can be moved to and fro, so

as to move the back from one side of the seat to the other to form single seats or double facing seats. The lower part J of the back is hinged to the frame J at the bottom, as, for example, at J Fig. 5, so that it may be let down to project into the space between the two backs when they are placed together, as shown in Fig. 2. This opens up the back, as it were, and the part J ofthe back, being moved down, comes into line with the seat and forms an extension of the seat. A suitable catch or holding device may be attached to the part J, so as to hold it in position in the frame J Any suitable device for this purpose may be used, and, as shown in Fig. 5, I provide one or more spring-pressed pins J which engage openingsin lugs J on the frame.

It will be seen that when the parts J of the backs are let down and the intermediate pieces 0 O and D D moved to their operative position a berth is formed havinga length equal to the distance bet-ween the two outer edges of the two parts .I at opposite ends of the berth. This gives the traveler plenty of room.

The partitions A are provided with some suitable fastening devices by which they can be fastened to the backs of the seats or to some other part of the car, so as to be held in proper position. IVhen the seats are arranged to form single seats, I prefer to fasten these partitions to the tops of the backs, as shown, When the parts I of the backs are let down, I prefer to provide said parts with fastening devices, so that the partitions can be fastened to them, as shown in Fig. 2. It is of course evident that any suitable fastening devices may be used. A suitable locker K is provided between each seat for holding material of any description, such as blankets or the like, and is provided with a door K. In order to completely inclose each compart ment, I may provide a movable or sliding device L between each partition-support, (see Fig. 1,) which can he slid out so as to cover the opening at the top and slid back, as shown on the right of Fig. 1. This device may be made like the top of a roll-top desk. Each seat may be provided with a suitable pillow attachment, which, as shown, consists of two parts M and N, attached to the arm of the seat and adapted to be adjusted to various positions. This pillow attachment may be adjusted to form a rest for the back and head, and the various positions into whichit may be moved permit great variation in the attitude of the passenger. I have not de= scribed this pillow attachment in detail, as it is illustrated in the patent to me, No. 594,103, issued the 23d day of November, 1897.

Then the car is provided with the radiator or heating pipes 0, (see Fig, 1,) the sections D of the intermediate piece between the seats must be cut away, so as to allow it to pass these pipes. In this event I provide a hinged leaf 0, hinged to the side of the car and adapted to be moved up out of the way, said leaf adapted to be moved down, as shown on the left hand in Fig. 1, so as to cover the space between the sections D and the wall. This leaf may be stationary and permanent, if desired. I may also provide a folding shelf P, hinged to the side of the wall and supported by a suitable hinged support P. This folding shelf will ordinarily be moved down out of the way, but may be moved up, as shown on the right hand of Fig. 1, so as to be used as a lunch-table or for other purposes.

I have described in detail a particular construction illustratinga car embodying my invention; but it is of course evident that the parts may be greatly varied in form, construction, and arrangement and that some of the parts may be omitted and others used with parts not herein shown without in any manner departing from the spirit of my invention. I therefore do not confine myself to the particular construction of the parts or the particular arrangement herein described.

It will be seen that by means of my invention a car may be provided which can be used as a day-coach oras a parlor-car or as a tourist-sleeper. This car is therefore economical and will fill a place between the regular sleeperand the ordinary day-coach. In many places, especially on the southern and west-- ern roads, sleepers are not profitable; but the facilities and conveniences of a car oonstructed in accordance with my invention can be placed so low as to be wit-bin the reach of the ordinary travelers who at present cannot afford the comforts of a sleeper. It will also be seen that each single seat can be formed into an absolutely private com partment, where the traveler will be entirely shutoff from any of the others in the'car. This car can also be used as an ordinary day-coach during seasons or periods of great activityin passenger traffic. The compartment can be arranged so that the passengers provide their own blankets or blankets can be provided by the company, the blankets being kept in the lockers in the daytime. All these various details can be arranged in accordance with the conditions to be met, and the facilities of this car may be utilized in many different ways. I

The car herein shown when used as a sleeping-car has both single berths and double berths and all the berths may be made single, if desired. The construction also permits a muchlarger numberof lowerberths to be used than can be used in a tourist sleeper of the same size. The single-berth feature is an advantage which no other car now in use possesses. This car when used as a parlorcar has a much greater capacity than the ordinary parlor-car and is much more comfortable and satisfactory to the passengers. The sections of the divided piece between the seats may also be used as foot-rests. In this event only the sections on one side are used. for this purpose. Said sections or either one of them may be moved up to any position-such, for example,

as the dotted position shown in Fig. Sso that the passenger on the opposite seat can use it for a foot-rest.

I prefer to have the transverse partitions A provided with fastening devices which will be under the control of the porter instead of the passenger. Anysuitable construction for this purpose may be used, and I have shown one construction in Figs. 5, 6, and 7. In this construction the partition is provided at its bottom with a suitable cross-piece R, which is preferably hollow. This cross-piece contains the rods R, which are mounted so as to have a longitudinal movement, the rods being held in their normal position by means of a suitable spring R Each rod is provided with a catch or engaging device R On the backs of the seats are provided the projecting devices R, preferably beveled at R and provided with an opening R The parts are so positioned that when the partition is pulled down the catches engage the beveled faces, so as to move the rods, and when the catches get opposite the holes R the springs pull the rods back, so as to lock the parts in position. Suitable keyholes S are provided in the cross-piece R for the insertion of a key. This key is provided With an engaging part which engages the rod R or some part associated therewith, so that when the key is inserted and turned the rod will be moved longitudinally to disengage the catch from the part B. Any suitable key may be used, and as this key will be in the possession of the porter or brakeman or some employee it will be seen that the passenger while he can close the partitions cannot open them and will have to call the porter. The parts J of the backs of the seats are provided with the projecting devices R, similar to those on the top of the seats. I prefer to have these projecting devices fastened to a sliding rod T, so that they can he slid out from the back of the seat when in use and slid back when the seat is moved up in line with the top part. In this event, however, there will be two devices, as shown in lFig. 7, for the reason that the back when on one side of the seat will be in a different position than when on the other side. In this event one of the rods R will have an additional catch, as shown in Fig. 5, for the reason that the part J is shorter than the top of the seat because of the space occupied by the head-rest.

I claim- 1. The combination with a car of a series of transverse partition-supports, one associated with each seat, a flexible adjustable partition connected with each transverse parti- Lion-support and adapted to be drawn down so as to divide the space between the seats, a series of adjustable longitudinal partitions adapted to be moved so as to inclose the front of the seat, the said partitions forming a private compartment for each seat,substantially as described.

2. The combination with a car of a series the back thereof, substantially as described.-

3. The combination with a car of a series of seats adapted to be used as ordinary seats in a day-coach,aseries of transverse partitionsupports,one associated with each seat,a flexible adjustable partition concealed within each support and adapted to be drawn down between the seats, a flexible adjustable longitudinal partition associated with each seat and adapted to be passed across the outer edges of the transverse partitions so as to inclose each seat in a private compartment, a divided adjustable piece adapted to bridge the space between the seats so as to form a berth or couch, and means for moving said divided adjustable piece to an inoperative position so as to leave the space between the seats open, I

4:- The combination with a car of a series of seats provided with adjustable backs, which may be moved from one side of the seat to the other, a series of transverse partition-supports above said seats, one associated with each seat, a flexible adjustable partition concealed Within each partition support and adapted to be drawn down toward the seat, a fastening device associated with the seat, by means of which the partitions may be held in their operative position, and a flexible longitudinal adjustable partition associated with each seat and adapted to be moved so as to inclose the front of the seat, the said partitions forming a private compartment for each seat.

5, The combination with a car of a series of seats,-a two-part back for each seat provided with a lower part adapted to be swung down so as to form an extension to the seat, a divided adjustable piece adapted to be moved so as to bridge the space between the seats, substantially as described.

6. The combination with a car of a series of seats, a two-part back for each seat provided with a lower part adapted to be swung down so as to form an extension to the seat, a divided adjustable piece adapted to be moved so as to bridge the space between the seats, and a series of transverse and longitudinal adjustable partitions adapted to be moved so as to inclose each seat in a private compartment.

7. The combination with a car of a series of seats, each provided with a two-part back, the lower part of the back adapted to be moved downwardly so as to form an extension to the seat, a divided adjustable piece formed of sections pivotally connected with the seats and adapted to be moved upwardly so as to bridge the space between the seats, and a holding device adapted to hold said sections in their bridging position.

8. The combination with a car of a series of seats, each provided with a two-part back, the lower part of the back adapted to be moved downwardly so as to form an extension to the seat, a divided adjustable piece formed of sections pivotally connected with the seats and adapted to be moved upwardly so as to bridge the space between the seats, a holding device adapted to hold said sections in their bridging position, a series of transverse partition-supports attached to the roof of the car, one associated with each seat, a flexible adjustable partition concealed within said partition-support and adapted to be moved downwardly toward the back of the seat, a fastening device associated with each seat and adapted to engage said partitions, and a series of flexible adjustable 1ongitudinal partitions adapted to cooperate with the transverse partitions so as to inclose each seat in a private compartment.

9. The combination with a car of a series of seats, a series of adjustable transverse partitions associated with said seats, a series of longitudinal adjustable partitions also associated with said seats, the two sets of partitions adapted when in position to inclose each seat in a private compartment, a looking deviceassociated with each transverse partition out of the control of the passenger and comprising a holding part associated with the seatand an engaging part connected with the partition, which engages the holding part when the partition is moved to its operative position, so that it cannot be opened by the passenger, and a removable key adapted to engage the engaging part so as to move it.out of engagement with the holding part.

10. The combination with a car of a series of seats, a divided adjustable piece adapted to bridge the space between the seats, said divided piece comprising a part adjustably connected with the seat and provided with a locking or holding device, which permits it to be fixed in various positions to form a footrest, substantially as described.

JOSEPH B. STRAUSS.

Witnesses:

DONALD M. CARTER, HOMER-L. KRAFT. 

